The 11 worst tourist traps in Florida and where to go instead

People from all over the world flock to the US' southernmost state for its warmth, its widely known attractions, and its stunning beaches. However, some places have started taking advantage of the annual influx of visitors.

And while some tourist traps can be worth a visit just for the sake of saying "been there, done that," these 11 places have alternatives that are much, much better.

Instead of wasting your time and money at the following 11 spots, hit up their better, underrated counterparts.

1/

Instead of dropping megabucks on a trip to Disney's Blizzard Beach, go to one of Florida's many cold springs and float down a natural lazy river.

Instead of road tripping to Destin, head to Seaside.

If you want a picturesque seaside vacation that's both relaxing and fun, head a few miles further than Destin, which is a favorite among Midwesterner.

Head to Seaside, which was made famous by Jim Carrey's "The Truman Show," and is just as cute in real life as it is in the movie. The hotels and rentals are nicer, the beaches are less crowded, and the restaurants and shops there are generally a bit more upscale than those in Destin. Plus, there are far fewer tacky attractions.

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Instead of going to Versailles for Cuban food, go to El Palacio de los Jugos.

While Versailles has been touted as the best Cuban food in Miami for years, the place has been resting on its laurels for a while now. Plus, nothing is worth the ridiculously long wait.

Instead, try El Palacio de los Jugos, which will change the way you think about Cuban food with its giant portions and delicious classic dishes. With locations all over the city, there's never much of a wait either.

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Instead of searching for seashells in Sanibel, head to Venice Beach for shark teeth.

Finding shark teeth in Venice is a hit with kids.
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Sanibel is the perfect spot for finding big, beautiful seashells, but kids and adults alike will enjoy hunting for shark teeth more.

An hour or so north of Sanibel you'll find Venice Beach, the shark tooth capital of the world. Its sandy white shores are just as stunning as those in Sanibel, shark teeth are arguably cooler than seashells, and hotel prices are usually cheaper since it's a less well known spot.

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Instead of spending the day at South Beach, go to Miami Beach.

South Beach is covered in trash, but the northern beaches of Miami are stunning.
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As disappointing as it may be to hear, South Beach is terrible. There are hundreds of people lining the shore, which leaves little room for anyone to actually lay out and relax.

For a beach day that isn't littered with empty beer bottles, red Solo cups, and cigarette butts, head a few miles north. Both North Miami Beach and Miami Beach offer the same picturesque view that South Beach does, but without the annoying partygoers, cheap souvenirs, and gaudy performers.

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Before taking your kids for a day at the orange groves, consider taking advantage of Florida's strawberry season.

Picking strawberries or attending the Strawberry Festival is way more enjoyable than walking around the orange groves.
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Florida orange juice might be iconic, but the tours of the groves and processing plants are less than thrilling. You can drive through hundreds of the groves on almost any cross-state highway, and that alone will suffice.

The strawberry fields, however, are much more fun. Starting in February, people from all over the state will flock to Plant City to pick strawberries. There are rows and rows of the sweet bushes for children to wander down, and a festival that lasts several weekends every year that features incredible strawberry-based dishes, classic carnival rides, and concerts.

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Instead of attending the Daytona 500, opt for the Grand Prix in St. Petersburg.

The Daytona 500 attracts a lively crowd of NASCAR fans to the east coast every year. Unfortunately, those consistently rowdy crowds coupled with the many Spring Breakers that also visit Daytona regularly, have turned the town into a giant tourist trap full of crumbling hotels and tacky souvenir stands.

Even worse, thanks to the city's allowance of cars on the beach, there's an overflow of pickup trucks that block the scenery and take up what little space there is.

The Grand Prix, while more expensive to attend, is in downtown St. Pete, and set against the water with beautiful views. Plus, if you can snag a spot in one of the hotels or condos that overlook the race course, there's no reason to splurge on tickets.

10/

Instead of fighting for a view of the sunset at Mallory Square in Key West, go to literally any other beach on the west coast.

Instead of partying at LIV in Miami, go to Wynwood.

Clubbing in Miami is a given, but if you're not one for waiting in long lines, facing rude doormen, and overpaying for tiny drinks, then places like LIV are not for you.

You'll likely have more fun at one of the low key bars or clubs in Wynwood, such as Wood Tavern or Gramps. They're starting to get more crowded though, so you'll still be surrounded by a lively bunch, but its more laid back, and people aren't packed like sardines.